Amid continuous heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina, volunteers and staff of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) are assisting affected Filipinos on the ground.
PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon convened his team early to immediately mobilize RC143 volunteers and dispatch emergency vehicles, such as rescue boats, ambulance units, and 6×6 multipurpose response trucks in Mega Manila and other affected regions.
“Now is the time to practice 4Ps (Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice).”
“Now is the time to practice 4Ps (Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice). I immediately mandated our 102 chapters nationwide to mobilize the Red Cross 143 volunteers because we don’t want people to die,” Gordon said.
A PRC water search and rescue (WASAR) team waded through floods to rescue residents, including children and pregnant women, who fled their homes in Plainview, Mandaluyong and Marulas, Valenzuela City following heavy rainfall due to the typhoon.
For the displaced families of Isla Puting Bato and Brgy. 649 in Manila, the Red Cross distributed hot meals to over 440 individuals in the Delpan and Baseco evacuation centers.
Vehicles and other assets such as 6×6 multi-purpose response trucks have been mobilized and deployed to Malabon to help residents in flooded areas.
The Red Cross’ Emergency Response Unit (ERU) rescued stranded individuals in Brgy. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong.
The Red Cross and its local chapters are on alert status for relief operations nationwide.
“Sa ating mga kababayan, mag-ingat po kayong lahat. Be vigilant and prepared,” Gordon stressed.
“In case of emergency, don’t hesitate to call us, dial hotline 143 for immediate assistance.
“In case of emergency, don’t hesitate to call us, dial hotline 143 for immediate assistance. Umasa po kayo na we are always first, always ready, and always there sa anumang sakuna at kalamidad,” he added.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, on the other hand, urged the public to remain alert and observant to the harms of flooding, especially water-borne diseases.
